The Pirates didn’t make a lot of noise during the Winter Meetings but they did pick up a potential keeper in the Rule 5 draft in Josh Rodriguez. The Indians minor league infielder was the first pick in the Rule 5 draft and he was at the top of the list of guys who Kevin Goldstein thought might stick. What makes Rodriguez so valuable is that he can play pretty much anywhere and while his batting average isn’t anything to write home about, he has a good eye and he’ll take a walk.
He’ll turn 26 in a few days so he’s well past the point of being called a prospect although that’s the case for most Rule 5 guys. Even better, last year was one of his best. He played most at Triple A and he hit nearly .300. He also played every spot except for catcher, pitcher and first base so the chances of him staying with the Pirates, because of that flexibility, is pretty high.
